Meet the Team

Our Incredible Leaders

Mattias Vanderley

President for Canada

Mattias Vanderley, the youngest Conservative Member of Parliament candidate and former President of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives Youth, is an HBA graduate from the Ivey School of Business. He works in data analytics at TC Energy and is passionate about studying languages during his leisure time.

Behzad Hakim

Secretary General

Behzad Hakim holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in finance from the Ted Rogers School of Management. He is the founder of the Canadian Institute for Defence of Democracies, demonstrating a strong commitment to advocating for democratic principles. Currently, Behzad contributes his expertise as a Finance Strategy Analyst in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) at Starbucks, where he applies his deep knowledge of finance to drive strategic financial decisions

Saim Naeem

Executive Vice President

Saim Naeem, a dedicated B.Sc. Biology student at Western University in Canada, demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership, strategy, and project management. Proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, Saim has earned recognition through several honors and awards, such as the Ontario Principals’ Award for Student Leadership. With experience in various roles, from Medical Office Manager to EDA Director, Saim showcases his robust involvement in civic engagement

Alessia Iafano

Vice President of Strategic Defense Policy

Alessia Iafano is a Political Studies, Philosophy, and Economics specialist at Queen’s University and serves as the Vice President for Ridings with the Ontario Young PCs.

Joshua Kogutek

Vice President of Public Diplomacy

Joshua Kogutek is a distinguished graduate with an Honours degree in Political Science and History from Western University. Currently serving as the President of the London-Fanshawe PC Riding Association, Joshua brings a wealth of educational background and political experience to the table. He is deeply passionate about leveraging his expertise to advance NATO policy, demonstrating a commitment to international relations and security.

AMANDA JONES

Vice President for Finance

Amanda Jones, a hospital emergency room nurse and Trinity Western University alumna, combines deep expertise with a passion for healthcare and global affairs. Motivated by the conviction that quality healthcare is a universal right, she is committed to furthering national security through public health.

Antalya Popatia

Vice President of Communications

Antalya Popatia, a Politics graduate from Queen’s University with a Public Relations Certificate from Simon Fraser University, excels in communications, public affairs, and government relations. Proficient in English, French and Portuguese, she has received accolades such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Canada Cord Award. Antalya’s professional experience includes roles at the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver, and SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Her commitment to diplomacy and international security is matched by her dedication to community service, as demonstrated by her volunteer work with the BC India Business Network and the Aga Khan Council for Canada.

Krishan Karia

President of Maritimes

Krishan Karia is a graduating HBA student at the Ivey Business School. He has honed his expertise in finance and leadership through practical experience gained in past investing roles and his service in the Canadian Army Reserves. His passion for learning has led to the growth of the Just Be Relentless Podcast brand. As a leader within YATA—NATO, Krishan is eager to broaden Canadians understanding of national security.

Spencer Carew

President of Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador

Spencer Carew is a Bachelor of Commerce student at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Proud of his Newfoundlander heritage, he is dedicated to fostering transatlantic understanding, contributing to the pursuit of a more harmonious alliance and country.

Peter Kermack

President of Ontario

Peter Kermack is currently pursuing a degree in Commercial Aviation Management at Western University. Recognized as one of the most influential faculty councilors on the University Students’ Council at Western, Peter has demonstrated exceptional leadership both within the university and in the wider London community.

Elijah Nikiforuk

President of the Greater Toronto Area

Elijah is the Founder & National President of the Canadian Young Leaders Coalition (CYLC), a national organization dedicated to bringing together established and emerging Canadian leaders. In addition to having received a Commanders’ Medallion for Leadership, presented by Canada’s former Chief of the Defence Staff, he has also previously served as Chairman of the first-ever Ontario Leadership Summit. Elijah is a proud Alumni of the Fraser Institute – Canada’s most influential public policy think-tank.

Mat Read

President of Saskatchewan

Mat Read, pursuing a degree in History at King’s University College, is deeply engaged in youth leadership and international relations. With significant experience at BGC, he demonstrates robust engagement and educational skills. His commitment to public service shines through his volunteer tutoring, showcasing his dedication to community betterment and educational excellence

Vaibhav Varma

President of Manitoba

Vaibhav Varma, an Honours student in Political Studies and History at the University of Manitoba, excels in leadership, communication, and public administration. He has received the Ontario Principals’ Award for Student Leadership and the MP Jim Carr Award for Citizenship. Vaibhav has held significant roles, including Vice President Finance and Operations at the University of Manitoba Students’ Union. His dedication to Canadian politics is evident in his efforts to engage youth in democracy, demonstrating his commitment to making Canada better than ever.

NINA SHELANSKI

President of Alberta

Nina Shelanski is a geopolitical intelligence analyst with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa. Her extensive international experience has honed her adaptability and cultural sensitivity, enabling effective engagement with multinational audiences.

Luke Montalbano

President of British Columbia

Luke Montalbano is an astute student at Dartmouth College, USA, pursuing a degree in Government and Public Policy with a focus on International Politics. He has honed is skills through roles at prestigious legal firms, including Dolden Wallace Folick LLP and McCarthy Tétrault LLP. For leisure, Luke spends his time writing articles that explore a wide array of topics, including national defense and public policy which are featured in publications such as Dartmouth, Toronto Sun, and La Presse.

Bruce Yu

President and Chief of Strategic Policy for Arctic Territories

Bruce Yu is an incoming HBA student at the Ivey School of Business. He is a member of the Provincial Minister’s Advisory Council on Special Education and Vice Chair of the Federation of Canadian Secondary Students.

Prof. Fraser Wilson

Executive Policy Specialist on Central and Eastern Europe

Professor Fraser Wilson is an East European Policy Specialist and a dedicated climate activist. With advanced studies in Biology, the Balkans, and Climate Change, his expertise spans across crucial environmental and international domains. His career, enriched by various international teaching experiences, underscores his commitment to education and policy advocacy. Bolstered by his diverse experiences, Professor Wilson plays a pivotal role in shaping informed dialogues and initiatives that advance Canada’s strategic interests and address global environmental challenges.